I am concerned that the proposed budget does not include an increase for nursing homes. How, with the known increase in heating costs, electricity costs, to name a few, does Governor Rell expect nursing facilities to continue to maintain the provision of quality care or even to maintain that care, without an increase in the nursing home rates to offset this?

Nursing homes have publicly stated that they will need to have layoffs, and some may file bankruptcy without an increase in Medicaid reimbursement. How are you addressing these concerns?

Please ask the governor to explain why there is no increase to the Medicaid rate for skilled nursing homes for the next 2yrs. 13% of the population is over 65% and will need nursing home care whether for short term or long term care in the future. 70% of the residents in nursing homes rely on Medicaid to pay for their expenses. How does she plan to assist nursing homes when the cost of fuel and supplies continues yet 70% of the facilities revenue will not increase for the next 2yrs.

I find it very sad and dissapointing that the government is choosing to cut the funds to nursing homes. To pick on a population that can't speak for themselves is despicable. I work in a nursing home and it breaks my heart that these folks will go without-where are your priorities? I am very concerned and worried for these folks. Can't you sit down with the budget and work out a better deal that accomodates everyone-including the nursing home residents that can't speak for themselves?

Given that Connecticut nursing homes ae facing near double digit inflation due to labor, insurance and utility costs, how can facilities be expected to provide quality care to their residents with a 0% increase in the Governor's proposed budget?

It's getting harder and harder to live in CT with the gas prices continuing to soar. Is ther any relief in the near future? Or can we expect $4.00 per gallon?

Reporting the thief of a firearm is a good idea, just like rerorting a stolen car. But,why are there fines and punishment for the legal gun owner but no punishment for the criminal?

When will we have Jessica's Law in CT?

It has become quite apparent that the Governor is not in touch with the true cost of providing adequate and competent care for our elderly. risinf care cost due to increased complexity of illness of the elderly has made our job more difficult. Medical supplies have increased in cost of the years. The staff of the nursing homes also need to be given appropriate raises as cost of living impacts their lives too. What happen to the huge surplus of money that was apparent at the end of last year. Where did this money go? Can you as Governor honestly account for the expenditures of the government and justify not increasing reimbursement to the nursing homes?

With the large budget surplus, why aren't more funds allocated to open space aquisition, therefore enabling small towns to keep growth under control, making local tax increases less likely especially to increased education costs

Governor Rell, please wake up to the reality that caring for the elderly in not easy when funding is inadequate. Staff will be cut and then the elderly (our residents) will suffer in delays of needed care. Someday you may be faced with placing a love one in a nursing home. The residents of any nursing home deserve to receive appropriate care related to their illnesses. Families of the private care can not foot the differences because our state government does not recognize the elderly as vital entities in the community. Reconsider your position.

Regarding the gas tax rollback...wouldn't this simply provide an old companies an opportunity to raise the prices to offset any savings? Also, please explain why 7% is even an acceptable increase in spending when most people could not afford this type of increase in their personal spending?

What ever happened to the automobile tax ellimination?

State DMV's will be creating what will become a national ID card. The centralized database and RFID imbedded in the license itself will allow wholesale identity theft for any would be techno-thief. 10 states have revolted against this legislation. Why has Connecticut remained silent to an insecure national database and licenses that would allow electronic pickpocketing?

Governor Rell--I live in the same town as your son. It is a great community. Our property taxes have gone up about 30% in the past 4 years under a Democratically controlled local government. We have been unable to get local spending held down or reduced. It is my hope that a cap by the state on local property taxes will force local governments like ours to hold spending down. Go for it!! Help us remain in our homes and not be taxed out of our homes. Barbara

Governor, First I am wandering where we are with the Plan B legislation? Has it been passed and signed by you? Second I am wandering how the state can make Catholic Hospitals administer Plan B which is against the teachings of the Catholic Church? Having a third party administer it in the Catholic hospital will still be against its moral teachings. Is this not a violation of religious freedom?

Governor, How can we in good conscious violate the state-mandated spending cap? Tom, Torrington

Governor, When most of us have a set pay check, amount to spend, how, can we just spend more David, Canton

When are you going to get in touch with the real needs of our state. The nursing home residents are there because the families can not cope with the necessary care be it physically or financially provide for their love one. As a state who taxes everything and constantly raises the taxes on gas, electric, and cigarettes to mention a few, I beleive you can relook at the increase that you are not giving nursing homes.

Hello Governor, my question is that I see the major work that is taking place to widden Route 7 and I84 which is used by a lot more people will be two lanes also in some areas. Huh ? What is being done currently to adress the I84 bottleneck and widening other major arteries in the state ? I do not see much actual work being done on particularly I84. Without a good adequate transportation structure in the state, economic growth will be difficult. In addition vehicles have to idle in traffic which burns more gas and costs the commuters more money in transportation costs.

Couldn't you eliminate the gas tax and make up the lost revenue by putting back toll booths?

Hello,couldn't you eliminate the gasoline tax and make up the lost revenue by putting back the toll booths?

How bout just reduce the gas tax its the highest around!!

As a Firefighter/EMT I have witnessed the need for improving highways. Please complete route 11 to prevent more deaths on Route 85. Promote the use of our rail system. Use the Valley Railroad line for commuter and freight movement to lighten the load on our road. Thank you for your time. John from Bozrah,CT